Although all students are expected to engage in both technical and artistic aspects of multimedia creation, each student is expected to specialize in one area of emphasis. Mixed majors are possible for students whose needs do not fall directly into one of the following three categories.
1. Multimedia Engineering
The Multimedia Engineering emphasis is intended for creative engineers and computer scientists seeking a comprehensive program in multimedia software design and implementation. Students will learn several programming languages and software libraries, and be involved in the development of large-scale software systems. Second-year courses include in-depth work on multimedia programming tools, and the development of complex signal processing software systems. This path terminates in a Master of Science Degree.
2. Electronic Music and Sound Design
The Electronic Music and Sound Design emphasis focuses on contemporary electronic music composition or sound design and digital audio engineering. It is intended for technically-inclined musicians. Courses will include private composition lessons, lessons in computer techniques, and composer's seminars, as well as directed work on various music production systems. During their studies they will present a recital or intermedia production. This path terminates in a Master of Arts degree.
3. Visual and Spatial Arts
The Visual and Spatial Arts emphasis is intended for technically-inclined students with an interest in the visual and performing arts. Courses will include training in the history of art and computing, video and installation art, dynamic web design, and intermedia production. Advanced courses will be given in the 3D environment, on-line community, on- and off-line installation, and virtual systems theory. This path terminates in a Master of Arts degree.
Each student's area of emphasis and course list is configured in consultation with a MAT faculty committee.
Part of the first year of the program involves taking two parallel courses in Media Art and Technology, designated MAT 200 and MAT 201. The goal of this intensive interdisciplinary curriculum is to provide a common foundation of aesthetics, history, and technology topics. In addition, each student takes graduate courses in their area of emphasis, as well as courses in a complementary field.
The second year electives are free to focus on either the student's area of emphasis or a complementary discipline. All students are expected to complete advanced projects in their second year of the program. These projects can involve artistic production, media engineering, or research.